Wellington, FL (March 10, 2016) – Years of hard work and experience really pay off – and this week, no one knows that better than Canadian dressage rider Belinda Trussell and Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals. Trussell once again topped the scoreboards during the weekend’s Adequan Global Dressage Festival Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special in Wellington, Florida. Her 16-year-old equine partner Anton out-performed large classes of talented competitors. “Anton is getting better and better. He’s like a fine wine; he’s better with age,” Trussell smiled. As an Omega Alpha Ambassador, Trussell certainly knows the benefits of improving with time – Omega Alpha is a company that has spent well over two decades researching and developing all-natural equine health supplements to become a leader in the industry. With such a wealth of experience and knowledge, Omega Alpha’s supplements have been shown to produce outstanding results. “I won’t go to a show without Omega Alpha supplements, because my horses need to feel great and perform at their best,” Trussell explained.
At the prestigious Adequan Global Dressage Festival this past weekend, Trussell and Anton certainly did perform their best. The pair took first place in the competitive FEI Grand Prix class of 40 entries with a 73.7 percent. Two days later, they showed that they had only just been getting started with their victory laps. In the FEI Grand Prix Special, Trussell and Anton scored their personal best score as well as broke the record for the highest-scoring Canadian pair in the Grand Prix Special. Their score of 75.529 percent was over two points higher than their closest contender, Arlene “Tuny” Page and Woodstock.
“Anton was stellar this week,” said Trussell. “He was brilliant in the ring. His highlight is his piaffe, and his passage is really good, too. His transitions in and out are very easy for him. He’s a really solid competitor, and it’s such a great feeling as a rider. You have that confidence going into the ring that your horse knows his job well.”
“I am so proud of Anton and so grateful to my wonderful team,” continued Trussell. “Hearing the Canadian anthem twice in one week among such a competitive field was incredible.”
Omega Alpha, based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, was proud to cheer on fellow Canadian and devoted Omega Alpha product user Belinda Trussell. Omega Alpha develops natural supplements through research-based science to improve equine health and performance. The company’s formulations consistently help horses and riders like Anton and Trussell achieve their dreams. For more information about Omega Alpha, visit www.OmegaAlpha.ca or call 1-800-651-3172.
Von Martels and Leuchtfeuer DE Take Trophy in Second Annual Palm Beach Dressage Derby Exhibition
Wellington, FL – March 6, 2016 – Belinda Trussell (CAN) and Anton secured another victory at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF), continuing their consistent showing on the winter circuit this season and solidifying themselves as one of Canada’s strongest Large Tour combinations. The pair earned a personal best score in the Palm Beach Dressage Derby FEI Grand Prix Special CDI-W presented by Today’s Equestrian and Diane and George Fellows, on a score of 75.529%. Arlene “Tuny” Page (USA) finished in second place aboard Woodstock with a 73.431%, while Laura Tomlinson (GBR) and Rosalie B captured third place with a 72.078%.
Trussell and Anton have demonstrated the value of experience and tenured partnership this season, which has been reflective in their scores, achieving a personal best score in the FEI Grand Prix Special of 75.529% today.
“His highlight is his piaffe and his passage is really good too. His transitions in and out are very easy for him,” commented Trussell. “I have to say: his consistency (is a strength). He’s a really solid competitor, and it’s such a great feeling as a rider. You have that confidence going into the ring that your horse knows his job well.”
“He also was so relaxed and with me. That was a great feeling,” she continued.
After their performance at the FEI CDI 5* at AGDF a few weeks ago, Trussell found assurance in the pair’s ability to overcome adversity. Anton looked as poised as ever in the Global International Ring this afternoon and seemed to grow even more poised in the arena after their preparations at home.
“Those are part of the challenges of the sport. It’s why we all love it. It’s not easy, and you have to keep thinking about solutions. These are animals, and they’re unpredictable. They have their own personalities, and Anton became afraid of the whole atmosphere and the applause,” she explained. “I had to sit back and think to myself, ‘How can I help him feel confident in the ring?’ My feeling is, when you have a confident horse, you have everything you need.
“I tried to think of different things to help him with his sound sensitivity. It’s going to be an ongoing challenge, but he was great this weekend and I didn’t do the freestyle because I wanted him to be confident in the ring again,” said Trussell. “I want to do the freestyle again, so that will be another challenge for us in the near future.”
Arlene “Tuny” Page and Woodstock, one of her two talented Grand Prix mounts, performed another accurate Grand Prix Special test which secured them a second place finish in the competitive class. Woodstock, a 2003 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Havel x Mirania) looked soft and relaxed, which Tuny said has been a steady progression throughout each of their tests this season.
“The fact is, this horse is incredibly expressive and is blessed with a tremendous amount of scope and elasticity. He has so much power. It’s always a challenge to figure out how to channel that power but not take it away,” said Page. “Believe me, the chicken in me occasionally says, ‘You just have to tone everything down,’ but then of course, you lose the extravagance that has him on a 78% before the canter.
“I’m learning how to balance out the expression that he has with a little bit more zen, if you will, in the canter, which is where he carries more tension and can be more mistake-prone,” she continued. “Last year in Europe, I didn’t find this kind of tension, like what I have here. For him, whatever reason, this venue is a little bit more challenging and it’s been great to have him remain solid in these scores even though for him it can be a little bit more exciting for him.”
Woodstock and Page are forging a strong relationship, which is improving the quality of their tests from beginning to end according to Page. With the trot work now fluid and expressive, the final piece they will look to improve will be the canter work.
“The highlight for me today, just like Belinda was saying, is consistency through the ride. The quality in the trot is almost matched by the overall quality of the canter and the horse has such talent for pirouettes, it’s amazing. You want the whole thing to be on about the same score if you possibly can,” she explained. “I was really pleased with that today, because he let me ride the half-passes and the flying changes much better than he did on Friday.”
Tomlinson, who winters abroad in Wellington, FL from her typical home base in the U.K., rode Rosalie B in their second competition together to earn a 72.078%. Tomlinson commented on the progress the new pair has made in just two shows together.
“I was very happy with her. It was her second show ever at the Grand Prix level and her second show with me ever. I’m thrilled with how much she’s come together just since the last show,” said Tomlinson. “She’s much more confident in the ring, and easier to ride. I feel very happy with the way she’s going and the way she’s improving. We didn’t actually have any mistakes today.”
“She’s still lacking the strength a little bit, but she’s obedient with it. We had a great ride together and I’m thrilled,” she noted.
Chris Von Martels and Leuchtfeuer DE
Chris Von Martels (CAN) won the second annual Palm Beach Dressage Derby Exhibition at AGDF, besting fellow international riders Laura Tomlinson (GBR), Adrienne Lyle (USA), and Juan Matute, Jr. (ESP). Von Martels and Tomlinson went head-to-head in the final round of competition aboard Patricia Koschel’s Leuchtfeuer DE. Each rider had a five-minute familiarization period with each of their rides, prior to riding an FEI Prix St. Georges test before a panel of three judges.
Von Martels started the competition off aboard Legacy’s Ambicioso, a 2005 P.R.E. gelding owned by Deborah Berger, and would earn a 64.605% from the judges. Paired with last year’s champion, Adrienne Lyle, Von Martels made the most of the pair’s time in the arena to advance to the final round of competition. Lyle received a 64.254% in a close competition, earning an overall fourth place.
Tomlinson advanced in front of Juan Matute, Jr. in the first round of knockout competition aboard Zazou, a 2004 Dutch Warmblood gelding (00 Seven x Kimbel) owned by Dana Dion, with a score of 66.535%. Matute, Jr. scored a 64.825% and would ultimately finish in third place.
“You certainly couldn’t have had two more different rides in one day. I don’t have much experience riding Spanish horses at all and it was my first time riding one in a competition setting,” explained Von Martels. “He was very sweet and had my back a few times when I didn’t give him any extra confidence. Patricia’s [Koschel] horse I thought was actually very fun to ride and is certainly a powerful, strong horse, but when you find that connection with him you could ride a very accurate test.”
Tomlinson drew the short card and rode back-to-back rounds, after already riding the FEI Grand Prix Special aboard Rosalie B and was admittedly tired. Tomlinson and Leuchtfeuer DE scored a 67.719% and would await Von Martels score.
Jokingly, Tomlinson admitted that she probably got Leuchtfeuer DE very warmed up for Von Martels, who performed a lovely test to score a 70.008% for the win.
“The first ride was very fun; it was a very powerful horse. The canter was trickier to ride because it got very big in front. It was a good challenging ride though. I was expecting Leuchtfeuer DE to be a bit lazy and then he actually got very hot with me during the test,” commented Tomlinson. “He just got a bit too strong, but unlike Chris, I don’t think I had collection the entire time during my test. I was definitely not lacking impulsion during the test, but probably lacking a bit of connection.
“It’s fun to have nice horses in a class like that and it was a lot of fun for us,” continued Tomlinson.
“I thought the derby was very fun. It was my first time doing a class like this and I was definitely excited. The horse I rode, like Laura said, was very powerful. The trot tour was very exciting, but the canter was a bit more challenging to ride,” noted Matute, Jr. “These classes are something I always look forward to and it adds another aspect to your riding.”
Former champion, Adrienne Lyle, is always excited to compete in the class, which offers riders a way to test their skills in an enjoyable, yet educational atmosphere.
“I think these classes are very entertaining and we were commenting on the sidelines that it’s the only time you see everyone get a bit light-hearted and are able to laugh at themselves. If they have a mistake, everyone smiles, and the crowd cheers when you finally get your lead change,” laughed Lyle. “It was fun and it’s always a good time with good camaraderie.”
Thomas Baur, Director of Sport at AGDF, thinks the inclusion of a true derby class is essential during the circuit and fits in perfectly with the Palm Beach Dressage Derby competition during week eight.
“Definitely we will see this in the future. This has potential for more than a Sunday afternoon I think. Unfortunately, we couldn’t do that this year with Nations’ Cup across the street, but I will try to make this an evening event next year,” noted Baur. “I’d like to thank all of the owners and riders who donated their horses and to these riders.”
Competition at AGDF continues again Wednesday, March 16, with the FEI CDI 4*/3*/1* presented by Havensafe Farm and will continue through Sunday, March 20. For more information on AGDF, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.
About the Adequan Global Dressage Festival:
The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits featuring 7 FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only FEI Nations’ Cup Series CDIO in the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $650,000 in prize money for the seven international competitions, making it one of the richest circuits in the world. The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center facility includes the Van Kampen covered arena (made possible by Kimberly and Frederic Boyer and family) and four outdoor arenas with world-class footing, 200 permanent stalls, and a VIP seating area.
Adequan Global Dressage Festival is located at
The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center
13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, Florida 33414
Wellington, FL – March 4, 2016 – Belinda Trussell (CAN) and Anton, who have performed with impressive consistency this season, rose to the occasion once again at the AGDF 8 Palm Beach Dressage Derby. They won the FEI Grand Prix CDI-W, presented by Today’s Equestrian and Diane & George Fellows, at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF). Competition at the 2016 Palm Beach Dressage Derby continues through Sunday, March 6, and the highlight will be a special Saturday night FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, presented by Everglades Dressage, beginning at 7 p.m.
Trussell and Anton received a 73.700% to secure first place in the FEI Grand Prix CDI-W, presented by Today’s Equestrian and Diane & George Fellows, while Mikala Gundersen (DEN) and My Lady fell just short of the win with a 72.980%. Lars Petersen (DEN) and veteran mount Mariett rounded out the top three with a 71.080%.
Trussell and Anton have been a force this season on the winter circuit, collecting two consecutive wins in week three at AGDF in both the FEI Grand Prix and the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle.
The pair, who encountered some difficulties in their outing at the FEI CDI 5* only a few weeks ago, buckled down on relieving the tension Anton can carry into the ring with large crowds and applause.
“Since the last show I had with him here, I felt like I had some tension issues, so I went home and did some sound training with him,” noted Trussell. “I downloaded the sound of applause onto my phone and we got some Bose speakers to play it for him. He didn’t really seem concerned, but my focus was on trying to get him to relax.”
“He was relaxed today and he’s so steady and secure in his movements that it’s a nice place to be with him. When I have that relaxation, I can have a better walk and a softer frame. All of that was the difference in jumping back from the last show to this show,” she continued.
Gundersen and My Lady, who are currently ranked first for earned prize money at AGDF this season, only improve with each outing. The pair, who scores consistently above the 70% mark in the Grand Prix, performed another nearly faultless test and Gundersen was pleased with their performance.
Mikala Gundersen and My Lady
“I think I had so many good movements in the test today. I don’t know where I could improve, but some of the judges said to me after the class something about her mouth, but I need to look at it on the video,” she explained. “She felt just very nice in the connection, and I had a very good frame.
“She’s 16, and looking around we have a group of older horses up here, seniors! Two 16-year-olds and an 18-year-old, but Lady just keeps getting stronger and better in the ring and this was probably the best walk tour I’ve ever had. Her extended walk to the collected walk and the transitions were amazing. I’m very pleased with that,” Gundersen said.
Competing in the Palm Beach Dressage Derby week at AGDF is a bit sentimental for Gundersen, whose owner and friend, Janne Rumbough, was one of the first dressage riders in south Florida and was an integral member in starting the historic Palm Beach Dressage Derby years ago.
“It means so much to my owner, Janne Rumbough, to do this show and it’s one of the reasons that we decided to do it. It’s very close to Janne, and she was part of the whole beginning of this show,” commented Gundersen.
Fellow Danish rider Lars Petersen and Mariett also continued their impressive ways in the Grand Prix, notching another top three finish this season. Petersen, who commented a few weeks ago that he felt was still trying to find his rhythm with Mariett, said that he was pleased with their performance.
“I was happy with her today. Maybe when I grow up and can figure out how to make a canter depart from passage, then I’ll do better, but hey, I’m still young,” laughed Petersen. “To be honest though, she was fresh and that was one of my worries competing two weeks in a row with an older horse. She felt great though, and I thought it was a good test for us.”
The FEI Intermediaire I, presented by Peacock Ridge Farm, was held today in the Van Kampen Covered Arena. Neve Myburgh (GER) and Belissima 23, who won yesterday’s FEI Prix St. Georges, also presented by Peacock Ridge Farm, took the class with a 72.675%. Juan Matute, Jr. (ESP) and Dhannie Ymas earned an additional second place with a score of 71.009%, while Jaimey Irwin (CAN) and Donegal V finished in third place with a 70.482%.
Yesterday’s competition at AGDF highlighted the FEI Prix St. Georges CDI-W, presented by Peacock Ridge Farm. Myburgh (GER) and Bellissima 23 won with a score of 71.474%. Juan Matute, Jr. and Dhannie Ymas finished in second place with a 69.763%, while Leida Collins-Strijk (NED) and Zantros collected third receiving a 69.711%.
Competition at AGDF continues tomorrow with the FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle, presented by Peacock Ridge Farm, as well as the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W, presented by Everglades Dressage, beginning at 7 p.m. For more information on AGDF, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.
About the Adequan Global Dressage Festival:
The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits featuring 7 FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only FEI Nations’ Cup Series CDIO in the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $650,000 in prize money for the seven international competitions, making it one of the richest circuits in the world. The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center facility includes the Van Kampen covered arena (made possible by Kimberly and Frederic Boyer and family) and four outdoor arenas with world-class footing, 200 permanent stalls, and a VIP seating area.
Adequan Global Dressage Festival is located at
The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center
13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, Florida 33414
Wellington, FL – January 29, 2016 – Belinda Trussell (CAN) and Anton impressed the judging panel again today in the AGDF 3 “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W, presented by U.S. P.R.E. Association, as the pair took their second win of the week in Large Tour competition at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF). Trussell and Anton earned a 75.025% to take a commanding lead in the class of 15 entries. Allison Brock (USA) and Rosevelt concluded an outstanding performance for the pair earning a score of 73.900% while fellow American Shelly Francis and Doktor collected a 73.400% for third place. Competition at AGDF continues tomorrow, Saturday, January 30, with the FEI Grand Prix Special, presented by Yeguada de Ymas, beginning at 2:15 p.m.
Trussell and Anton, a 2002 Saschen Warmblood gelding (Antaeus x Shirley) owned by Robyn Eames and Marc Trussell, have showcased their consistency in their first competition back since the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto this past November.
“Anton was really hot tonight and I was hoping to keep everything in control and keep our harmony together. He was great. It really felt like I was riding a rocket. He’s such a good boy, and he loves his job,” noted Trussell. “I’m so thrilled for these two wins and am sitting here in utter shock to be sitting in this company. It’s wonderful to be here, and I’m so thankful to my owners and my family at home.”
All smiles during their test, Trussell feels that she has truly hit the right stride with her veteran partner who has come back to competition in top form after overcoming a serious injury a few years ago. Trussell has hopes of qualifying for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this summer.
“Post-injury, he has never felt better. It’s incredible because we never thought that he would come back better and continue to get personal bests. Winning a medal for Canada last year (at the Pan American Games) was huge and hopefully (we are) going to Rio. It feels incredible,” she elaborated. “I just want to enjoy each ride, and you don’t know what tomorrow has to bring. You want to set goals and you think about them, but you always have to enjoy each moment and enjoy each ride. I always think about that. I get to ride him again in this atmosphere and in this stadium and I want to enjoy that, our team work, with the ultimate goal of being brilliant.”
Allison Brock (USA) and the impressive 2002 Hanoverian stallion (Rotspon x Lauries Crusader xx) Rosevelt, owned by Fritz and Claudine Kundrun, continue to captivate audiences from around the globe, as the pair displays such power and presence in each of their tests. Rosevelt, who has been known to be sensitive in large environments, performed the test with tremendous ease, which Brock hopes is the next stage in their partnership.
Allison Brock and Rosevelt
“He was so good. I personally have been very nervous to do freestyles here because we had a bad experience last year under the lights where he was incredibly scared,” she explained. “I decided to do the exhibition at Washington International (Horse Show) this past year, and he was really good. I couldn’t believe how he handled that environment. I thought to myself, ‘I really need to bite the bullet and do it.’ So we decided to do it.
“Tonight maybe he got a little happy doing the changes, but now I can drop the reins and that horse will walk. He stands in the award ceremony. All of these things he’s feeling comfortable with. I want him to trust the situation I’m putting him in, and I feel like I got that.”
Francis and Doktor, another U.S. Olympic hopeful combination, performed their first FEI Grand Prix Freestyle of the 2016 season and Francis spoke positively about the outcome in this important qualifying year.
“My little Doktor was a bit nervous tonight, but he tried really hard. He’s getting to the point where he’s getting dependable for me in the arena. I just have to get my act together now and maybe start squeezing more a bit,” said Francis, who finished in third place. “We haven’t shown that much this season. Right now we’re trying to get through smooth and ride the choreography a bit better. He felt awesome. He does what I want, and he’s really cool with what’s going on.”
Judge at C Linda Zang commented on the rides she judged throughout the night and expressed her optimism and anticipation of what is to come for the sport of dressage in North America over the course of the next few years. She explained, “I think it’s absolutely wonderful that we have this entire circuit in Florida because it’s made our sport grow so much in the United States and in Canada. I’m sitting here just thinking what an international group of riders we have here. There were five nations represented in just tonight’s freestyle alone. That’s quite an accomplishment.”
The U.S. P.R.E. Association took the lead on major sponsorship for AGDF 3, presenting the second “Friday Night Stars” event of the season, which has continued to expand in popularity.
“We had the opportunity to get involved from the very first year and we thought there’s no better way to promote a breed for dressage than push our brand to a target audience,” explained Kim Boyer, President of the U.S. P.R.E. Association. “Of course, nobody back then would have thought that it would have grown to the size that it is today. Now it’s a destination for our members and visitors and we’ve brought in a number of Spanish dignitaries. It’s almost become a mini-convention here. It’s educational for us and a great opportunity to showcase our horses.”
Thomas Baur, Director of Sport for the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF), stated his gratitude for the team working behind the scenes who helped to successfully coordinate several ring and scheduling changes to accommodate riders after South Florida saw days of torrential downpours and inclement weather.
“It was a great effort from everyone to make our changes work. I would like to especially thank our judges and e-scribes this week as this was the first CDI we’ve done here with electronic recording of scores. It worked quite well and we’ll continue to do better, but I’m very proud of the team here this week,” he said.
Allyn Mann of Adequan® discussed the company’s presence around the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) venue, not only as the title sponsor of the entire circuit, but now the main contributor to the prestigious owner awards that are given during each “Friday Night Freestyle” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle event.
“First off, I think we all need to thank Kim for her vision and financial contribution to build the covered arena, or else we wouldn’t be sitting here tonight,” he explained. “Without owners, none of us are sitting here. Thank you to all of the owners. These awards are just another way that we can show our appreciation to the people who are truly the foundation of everything we have here. Without them, none of this would be.”
Adequan® presented several owner awards throughout the evening, including the High Point National Owner Award, which was presented to Shaween Jacobs, owner of Ebony, which was accepted on her behalf by rider Janine Little. Michael Collins accepted the award for Winner of the Prix St. Georges, as the owner of Don Tignanello ridden by Leida Collins-Strijk. Robyn Eames and Marc Trussell were awarded with the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle Owner Award, as their Anton took top honors.
Leida Collins-Strijk (NED) also collected her second win of the week aboard Don Tignanello in the FEI Intermediaire I, presented by the Chesapeake Dressage Institute, with a score of 73.991%. Suzan Pape (GBR) and Harmony’s Don Noblesse finished in second with a score of 72.763%, while Collins-Strijk also earned third place honors aboard Zantros with a score of 71.009%. Small Tour competition will continue on Sunday, February 1, with the FEI Intermediaire 1 Freestyle presented by Chesapeake Dressage Institute.
Competition at AGDF continues with Large Tour competition tomorrow as the FEI Grand Prix Special, presented by Yeguada de Ymas, will begin at 2:15 p.m. Several Young Rider, Junior, and Amateur classes will also be hosted throughout the day. For a full list of results and schedule, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.
About the Adequan Global Dressage Festival:
The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits featuring 7 FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only FEI Nations’ Cup Series CDIO in the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $650,000 in prize money for the seven international competitions, making it one of the richest circuits in the world. The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center facility includes the Van Kampen covered arena (made possible by Kimberly and Frederic Boyer and family) and four outdoor arenas with world-class footing, 200 permanent stalls, and a VIP seating area.
Adequan Global Dressage Festival is located at
The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center
13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, Florida 33414
Wellington, FL – January 28, 2016 – The extraordinarily full FEI Grand Prix class, presented by Yeguada de Ymas, concluded today at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF). Held over two days with 49 pairs competing in the Van Kampen Covered Arena due to inclement weather, the competition was strong and impressively consistent, with the top four riders scoring within tenths of points of each other. Belinda Trussell (CAN) won the test with a 72.860% aboard Robyn Eames and Marc Trussell’s Anton. The third week and second CDI competition of the 2016 AGDF, presented by U.S. P.R.E. Association, continues through Sunday, January 31, with the highlight class, the “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, presented by U.S. P.R.E. Association, on Friday, January 29, at 7 p.m.
With the 2016 Olympic Games qualification race heating up, Grand Prix pairs from around the world have descended upon Wellington in hopes of gaining scores to represent their respective nations on the largest international sporting stage in August in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Riders from 15 nations competed for top honors in the FEI Grand Prix presented by Yeguada de Ymas, including 24 U.S. combinations. AGDF 3 will also see individuals representing Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, the Dominican Republic, Georgia, Germany, Great Britain, Philippines, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Spain, and Sweden.
“We’re thrilled to welcome these riders to AGDF for the second week of CDI competition for the 2016 circuit,” said Thomas Baur, Director of Sport for the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival. “The numbers for this competition are tremendous, and we are expecting to see them continue to build as we move further into the season. We look forward to an incredible week of competition.”
In a new addition to the 2016 AGDF circuit, the AGDF Lead-Line Series for children will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, January 29, in the Global International Ring prior to the second “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle of the season. World-renowned U.S. Olympians Debbie McDonald and Christine Traurig will join Christoph Hess as judges for the class. Several special awards will be given to contestants, as the next generation of riders will compete on a world-class stage at AGDF.
First Grand Prix Victory of the Season for Canada’s Trussell
Trussell remarked that she was surprised with her win on Anton, a 16-year-old Sachsen gelding (Antaeus x Shirley) bred by Mirko Glotz. “This was a huge class with good competition! Anton is a professional, and we went out and had a good time together,” she said. “To come out with the blue ribbon was lovely.”
She attributed their success today to their long partnership and her willingness to take more risks in the test and allow Anton to be more expressive, especially in the extended trot. This was their first outing since their second place finish at Dressage at Devon in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle and the Royal Winter Fair in November in Toronto, where they won the Grand Prix.
She thinks there is even more room for improvement. “He has a very good piaffe and passage, and it is my goal to keep riding the test up to his potential,” she said.
Arlene “Tuny” Page and Woodstock
Arlene “Tuny” Page (USA) closely followed Trussell with Woodstock, coming in with a 72.760% for second place. Page was pleased to note, “Overall this was a very solid test; there was nothing that was a glaring mistake or a big highlight. It felt like everything was steady. I look forward to seeing the judges’ scores and comments, of course, but it felt like 7, 7.5, 8. From a trainer’s point of view, I’m very satisfied with that.”
She and her own Woodstock, a 13-year-old KWPN gelding (Havel x Mirania), have been working to improve their consistency in different venues. She was pleased to note that he was a consistent partner for her here, as he was over the summer in Rotterdam, despite some of the weather-related stressors. She was also quick to praise the show management for their calm and organized handling of the decisions to move the jog and the Grand Prix into the Van Kampen Covered Arena, noting the consistency of the footing in all of the AGDF arenas.
Kasey Perry-Glass (USA) held on to her top score from competing yesterday in the start of the FEI Grand Prix with Goerklintgaards Doublet, a 13-year-old Danish gelding (Diamond Hit x La Costa) owned by Diane Perry and bred by Jorgen Ravn. They finished third with a score of 72.320%. Perry-Glass also finished 11th with Trostruplunds Scarlet, the 17-year-old Danish mare (Don Schufro x Ramona) owned by Diane Perry.
She said she is having a terrific time right now, elaborating that she has “great horses, a great husband, and a great coach.” She was especially happy with the efforts of both horses, particularly praising Scarlet’s one-tempis changes, which were larger and more consistent than they have been. “Both horses were really relaxed,” she said.
The top six finishers were all very close together, all scoring within .8 of a point of each other. Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE) earned fourth place with Benneton Dream, the 12-year-old Hanoverian stallion (Brentano II x Rotkappchen) bred by Axel Windeler and owned by Lövsta Stuteri, with a score of 72.240%. Allison Brock (USA) and Rosevelt put in a lovely consistent test to finish fifth with a 72.220%. The 14-year-old Hanoverian stallion (Rotspon x Lauries Crusador xx) is owned by Fritz and Claudine Kundrun. Shelly Francis and Doktor earned a 72.100% and a big round of applause from their fans. The 13-year-old Oldenburg (Diamond Hit x Gurena) gelding is owned by Patricia Stempel.
Competition continued in the FEI Prix St Georges, presented by Chesapeake Dressage Institute, with 21 entries representing nine countries. Victory went to Leida Collins-Strijk (NED) and Don Tignanello, who scored 72.456%. Michael Klimke (GER) and Djamba Djokiba finished second with a score of 71.316%. Klimke also took third place on Harmony’s Depardieu on 71.140%.
The highly anticipated “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, presented by U.S. P.R.E. Association, begins at 7pm on Friday, January 29, featuring 15 entries, including Trussell and Anton who will try to repeat today’s success under the lights.
The FEI Grand Prix Special, presented by Yeguada de Ymas, will begin at 2:15pm on Saturday, January 30. AGDF 3 will conclude with the FEI Intermediaire Freestyle, presented by Chesapeake Dressage Institute, on Sunday, January 31, alongside FEI Young Rider, FEI Junior, FEI Amateur Freestyle competition and a Consolation Grand Prix beginning at 1:45pm on Sunday.
For more information on the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival and to see a full schedule of competition, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.
About the Adequan Global Dressage Festival:
The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits featuring 7 FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only FEI Nations’ Cup Series CDIO in the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $650,000 in prize money for the seven international competitions, making it one of the richest circuits in the world. The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center facility includes the Van Kampen covered arena (made possible by Kimberly and Frederic Boyer and family) and four outdoor arenas with world-class footing, 200 permanent stalls, and a VIP seating area.
Adequan Global Dressage Festival is located at
The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center
13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, Florida 33414
Belinda Trussell and Anton. Photos by Ben Radvanyi Photography.
Toronto, Ontario – Belinda Trussell of Stouffville, ON won the $20,000 Royal Invitational Dressage Cup, presented by Butternut Ridge, on Thursday night, November 12, at the Royal Horse Show®, held as part of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in downtown Toronto, ON.
Hot off a team silver medal appearance at the TORONTO 2015 Pan American Games in July, Trussell and Anton returned to the competition arena to win in front of a home crowd. With a technical program highlighted by a difficult one-handed piaffe-pirouette, the pair earned the top score of 77% from a panel of international judges to earn the title.
“Anton was great!” said Trussell of the 15-year-old German-bred gelding owned by her mother, Robyn Eames, and her husband, Mark Trussell. “He was very electric, but he was with me. It was so much fun!”
Having competed in front of a hometown crowd at the Pan American Games, Trussell was thrilled to once again perform in Toronto. It also marked her second appearance at the Royal Horse Show®, having last competed in 2003 with Royan.
“I always want to win, and I really wanted to support the sport of dressage at The Royal,” said Trussell, 44. “Being a medalist and being in front of a home crowd was important to me, and it felt really great!”
Trussell was especially thrilled to be riding Anton, as the horse has returned to the sport following a two and a half year break due to a bone lesion. She explained, “My veterinarian, Dr. Usha Knabe, brought him back for me. He is better than ever! At 15, he is reaching his prime.”
As the winner, Trussell was presented with the Butternut Ridge Trophy, generously sponsored by Deborah Kinzinger Miculinic.
“To have Deb Kinzinger and Butternut Ridge supporting our sport is huge,” said Trussell, who is now aiming for a berth at the 2016 Rio Olympics with Anton. “They are making it exciting for us to come and compete.”
Leah Wilkins, 28, of Amaranth, ON impressed in her Royal Invitational Cup debut, and used powerful and dramatic music to highlight her Freestyle performance. Riding Fabian J.S., a 16-year-old Hanoverian gelding owned by Maria Simpson, Wilkins earned a score of 73.375% to finish as the runner-up. Canadian Olympian and 2013 Royal Invitational Cup competitor David Marcus flew in from Wellington, FL to coach Wilkins at the Royal Horse Show®.
Crowd favourite Jacqueline Brooks of Mount Albert, ON thrilled the audience with a moving freestyle performance aboard her 2012 Olympic Games partner, D Niro. Owned by Mary Brooks and Brookhaven Dressage Inc., D Niro is a 16-year-old grey Swedish Warmblood gelding. Brooks, who has been competing at the Royal Horse Show® since dressage was first introduced, finished third on this occasion with a final score of 73.208%.
Rounding out the top four was yet another Canadian Olympian, Evi Strasser of St. Adele, QC. With a freestyle test highlighted by floating, expressive trot work, Strasser earned a final score of 70.667% riding Renaissance Tyme. The 12-year-old grey Oldenburg gelding recently made headlines when reigning Olympic and World Champion Charlotte Dujardin of Great Britain rode him during a dressage demonstration at the Central Park Horse Show in September.
Equitation was also on the agenda at the Royal Horse Show® as the CET Medal Final, presented by Running Fox, took center stage on Thursday afternoon. Having claimed the Jump Canada Medal Final on Tuesday, November 10, Kassidy Keith of Duncan, BC returned to the Ricoh Coliseum to dominate the 2015 CET Medal Final. Keith was sitting second following the opening flat and gymnastic phase held Wednesday before topping the final jumping phase on Thursday afternoon. She piloted Wallabee, owned by Jolene Benham, to the top jumping phase score of 89 awarded by judges William Ellis of Ocala, FL and Mike Rosser of Southern Pines, NC. The top four riders were then called back for additional testing where Keith impressed yet again to claim the national title. Arora Peters of Aldergrove, BC finished as the runner-up, Briana Ballard of St. Lazare, QC took third, and Megan Champoux of Aldergrove, BC rounded out the top four.
The $35,000 Brickenden Trophy International Jumper class was also held on Thursday and saw Belgium’s Olivier Philippaerts riding H&M Legend of Love take the win for owners Gerald Nothurft and Ludo Philippaerts. The pair topped a starting field of 20 entries as the fastest double clear following a five-horse jump-off.
Conor Swail and Ariana
To cap off the evening, Ireland’s Conor Swail executed the best course to take the win in the $35,000 International Jumper Top Score Challenge. Riders formulated their own plan, earning points for each obstacle successfully cleared before deciding whether to jump the joker fence for an additional 200 points. Riding Ariana, a 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare owned by Susan Grange of Cheltenham, ON, Swail successfully cleared the joker to earn a total of 1230 points and take his second victory of the week in the international division.
For more information on the Royal Horse Show, the marquee event of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, please visit http://www.royalfair.org/horse-show.
Funding support for The Royal has been provided by the City of Toronto and the Government of Ontario.
About The Royal
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is the world’s largest combined indoor agricultural and equestrian show. This year, the 93rd Royal Agricultural Winter Fair runs November 6-15, 2015 at Exhibition Place, Toronto. For competition schedules, live webcasting, results and to purchase tickets, please visit www.royalfair.org.
Belinda Trussell with Anton (left) and Megan Lane with Caravella (right) (Left photo – CLiXPhoto.com; Right photo – Rob Madronich)
Toronto, Canada (June 23, 2015) — All four members of Canada’s recently announced dressage team for the 2015 Pan American Games have something else in common that they can boast about: they are former recipients of the Canadian Dressage Athlete Assistance Program (C-DAAP). Team members Brittany Fraser, Megan Lane, Belinda Trussell and Chris Von Martels all benefited from the funding that C-DAAP provides for the support and advancement of Canada’s high-performance dressage athletes in their pursuit of excellence.
The non-profit organization offers 100 percent of its net proceeds from fund-raising events to the riders to offset the cost of training and competing for high performance to compete against the world’s best. In fact, more than $130,000 has been awarded to seven riders since 2012 to help them achieve their goals with another $80,000 slated for distribution this summer.
“I am thrilled to see all four C-DAAP recipients represent Canada at the Pan Am Games,” said C-DAAP’s founder, Deborah Miculinic. “It shows how important it is to provide our riders with the necessary programs and funding so they can compete at the very top of their sport. Congratulations to each of these riders on achieving such a remarkable accomplishment. You can bet they will make Canada proud and we will be certainly cheering them on!”
Brittany Fraser with All In (left) and Chris Von Martels with Zilverstar (right) (Left photo – Horse Junkies Unlimited; Right photo – Jessica Mendoza)
Miculinic added, “C-DAAP depends on the generous support of organizations like Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals, Reser’s Fine Foods and many others for financial support and product donation for our fundraisers. Without these generous sponsors, we would not be able to support the riders to the extent that we do.”
The funding criteria for 2015/2016 have been established with guidelines available at www.cdaap.ca. The deadline for applications is July 31 and recipients will be announced on August 17.
Belinda Trussell and Anton. Photo copyright SusanJStickle.com.
Griffith and Rubin Al Assad Win FEI Grand Prix Special CDI3*
Wellington, FL – February 21, 2015 – Belinda Trussell (CAN) and Anton smiled their way through the awards ceremony for the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI 4* presentation sponsored by The Dutta Corporation at Week 7 of the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival. Trussell and Anton topped the competitive class on a 71.490% with Shelly Francis (USA) and Doktor following in second receiving a 70.667%, and Megan Lane (CAN) and Caravella placing third with a 70.608%. AGDF 7 competition will continue tomorrow, highlighting the FEI Intermediaire 1 Freestyle CDI1* presented by Mission Control.
Trussell and Anton finished third in the Grand Prix CDI4* and accumulated another top three finish this week today with the win. Trussell was beaming during the press conference and could not say enough great things about Anton’s performance. “This week he felt great. I feel like he’s in the best shape of his life; he just is fantastic. The training has been going very well and he just kind of clocks through everything. He’s a professional now.”
The pair’s relationship is evident in their string of consistent performances so far this year at the 2015 season of AGDF. “I honestly think he was better than me in the Grand Prix on Thursday. Today he was just spot on it felt like a really great Special and I’m excited for how he felt, to have him, and to be able to show him,” said Trussell.
Trussell has not only seen vast improvements in Anton’s physical fitness but also in his mental capabilities too. “As a younger horse he was so hot and I find that at this stage in his life, he’s much more relaxed and I can really ride to his potential now, where before I felt sometimes I had to ride below it because I didn’t want to scare him,” she explained. “I feel like we’re at a point where he’s letting me in and the overall picture is starting to come together.”
Doktor, who performed his usual workman-like test, was a bit perkier today according to Francis, which allowed her to ask more of him during the test. “He was really good. We had a big spook after the extended canter and I thought it would hurt the pirouette afterwards, but he just went right back to work. I had a lot of horse behind me throughout the whole test. We sometimes have trouble holding the extended trot, but it’s getting a lot better and it was better in this test.”
The tumultuous weather in South Florida this week was a factor for many riders but Francis felt that Doktor handled it well and that it only brought out the energized side of the gelding she handles on a daily basis. “As long as I keep him in front of my leg and I can keep him where I want him,” she explained. “He can get tense, but today he felt so nice.”
Megan Lane and Caravella had a lovely return back to competition since their World Equestrian Games (WEG) performance last summer. “The piaffe and passage tour along with the one-tempis are her highlight, especially in comparison to the world stage. She definitely has something there, and it’s really exciting to have a horse like that,” said Lane. “I’m so lucky and so honored to ride her. I’m really happy with the scores too. To debut with a score above 70% here after WEG is something I was really happy with as well.”
Lane re-evaluated the pair’s performances after last season to pinpoint exactly where she wanted to put focus coming into the 2015 season. “Her piaffe was very hit or miss sometimes and she either feels very comfortable or the opposite, and we spent a lot of time working on that. We’re trying to get her to relax in the movement more, which we are seeing a big difference in,” explained Lane.
Lara Griffith (GBR) and Rubin Al Assad placed first in the Grand Prix Special on the last day of FEI CDI 3* competition at Week 7 of AGDF. The pair scored a 69.608% to take the win, narrowly edging out Sharon McCusker (USA) and Wrigley, who finished in second receiving a 69.098% for their efforts. Christilot Boylen (CAN) and Drentano rounded out the top three with a 67.392%.
Griffith had a great second week of competition here at AGDF, adding top three finishes in both the FEI CDI 3* Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special, both sponsored by Havensafe Farm. “This was the second Grand Prix Special I’ve ever done with him and it went really well, but it’s still new to us,” she commented. “We had a few mistakes today in the test, but in general we’re on the up!”
The training opportunities available to Griffith in Florida have greatly increased her confidence in the partnership since arriving stateside only a few weeks ago. “This horse show [AGDF] has been very successful for me so far. He has improved dramatically in the Grand Prix from two weeks ago from the work we’ve put in since being here,” said Griffith. “I really wanted to replicate the ride that I had in the Grand Prix on Thursday today in the Special. The general way of going is a lot better.”
Griffith has produced Rubin Al Assad from Third Level and the pair looks to be a promising combination for Great Britain in the future. “He only had a single flying change when I first started riding him, and I always think it’s amazing that now we can get 15 in a row!” Griffith is excited for where the partnership will go and they will continue to contest and gain experience from the CDI competition at AGDF during the remainder of their stay in Florida.
Sharon McCusker and Wrigley finished right behind Griffith, barely missing out on the first place prize. McCusker and Wrigley have been steadily improving and their performance today showed the progress that has been made since their outings last season. “The Special is a really long test and I was really pleased at the end when I had that great extension and coming down the center line I felt like the passage was great. I still had power throughout the whole test coming up to the halt. It’s a great test to build from,” she remarked.
AGDF 7 was the pair’s first CDI competition of the 2015 season, and McCusker was pleased with the performances Wrigley put in this week. “We will do the next two CDI competitions here in March and then I am planning on using the Advanced Dressage Prize Grant I won two years ago to train with Klaus Balkenhol. I was able to connect with him this week, and he watched my test today which was great.”
The Adequan® Global Dressage Festival will continue tomorrow with Junior and Young Rider classes in the morning followed by the FEI Intermediaire 1 Freestyle CDI1* presented by Mission Control. For more information on the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival, please visit http://www.globaldressagefestival.net.
About the Adequan Global Dressage Festival:
The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits featuring 7 FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only FEI Nations’ Cup Series CDIO in the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $650,000 in prize money for the seven international competitions, making it one of the richest circuits in the world. The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center facility includes the Van Kampen covered arena (made possible by Kimberly and Frederic Boyer and family) and four outdoor arenas with world-class footing, 200 permanent stalls, and a VIP seating area.
